Lalitpur

Krishna Temple at Patan Durbar Square

Well noted for its gorgeous
craftsmen and metal workers, it is often known
as the city of superb artists.

Lalitpur (Patan)

Brief introduction to Lalitpur city:
The ancient city is located on the southern bank of the holy Bagmati River and is approximately five kilometers south-east of the capital. The whole city is full of Buddhist monuments and Hindu Temples with fine bronze gateways, marvelous statues, guardian deities and magnificent carvings and wood carving. Well noted for its gorgeous craftsmen and metal workers, it is often known as the city of superb artists. The majority of the citizens follow the Buddhists faith.

Some of the major spots to visit in Lalitpur:

Patan Dubar Square
This is the Royal Palace complex built during the Malla period and stood as the capital part till 17th century. Situated in the heart of the city, it constitutes the salient focus of an alien visitor's attraction. The square is built of ancient palaces, temples, shrines and statues noted for their exquisite carvings. We owe all these grandeurs to the sovereign Malla dynasty. The last of the Malla dynasty was late King Tej Narsingh Malla. There include three main courtyards, the first being the Keshab Narayan Chowk which we have gotten to enter through the Golden Window; the second being the Taleju Vawani Chowk; and the third being the Sudari Chowk carrying the Royal Bath called Tushahity. The single stone pillar on which sits late King Yog Narendra Malla facing the Taleju Vawani Temple to the cardinal direction of east and the Gigantic Bell to its right are also worth mentioning. The Patan Dubar Square too forms a World Heritage Site.

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Krishna Temple
Built in the 16th century by late King Siddhi Narsingh Malla, this temple is made of pure stone. It is a marvelous structure constructed complete out of stone, except for the few pinnacles or the spires adjusted out of metal. The carvings on its friezes depict battle scenes from the ancient Hindu epics of South Asia, the Ramayan and the Maha-Varat in particular. Opposite remains the single stone pillar with a Garudh sitting on, paying decent homage to Lord Krishna.

Kumveshwor
This Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva was built during the peaceful reign of late King Jayasthiti Malla. The particular deity it houses is Kumveshwor Mahadev and the five storied pagoda temple was constructed in sheer competition with the five storied pagoda temple of Bhaktapur. Later in 1932 a golden finial was supplemented.

Jagat Narayan Temple
This is a tall imposing Hindu Temple belonging to Lord Bishnu, constructed out of attractive red bricks. It is situated in Sankhamul Ghat which rests on the bank of the holy Bagmati River. The temple contains numerous fine images in stone and an artistic metal statue of Garudh on a stone pillar in this case also.

Karunamaya Temple
This is a Buddhist pagoda solely dedicated to Lord Abalokiteshwor. Built in 1408, it is located in a large quadrangle called Tah Bahal. Also referred to as Red Karunamaya, the idol remains housed here for 12 fortnights and is highly worshipped by Tibetan, Sikkimese, Ladakhan and Bhutanese Buddhists as well.

The Ashokan Stupas
There exist four ancient Buddhist Stupas popularly believed to have been built in 250 B.C. by Emperor Ashok. The great Hindu emperor of north India later happened to take refuge in the Buddha and embrace the Dharma. The neat grassy Stupas expose their beauty at each of the four corners of Patan. They ive evidence to the chaitya's ancient religious importance and proudly support the sound proof of Ashok's unanimous visit to the Himalayan Kingdom.

The National Zoo
The only public zoo of the Valley lies in the premises of Jawalakhel. A wide colossal compound with a boat able pond in the middle, it contains numerous animals, birds and reptiles mostly representing the Himalayan alpine fauna. It sure makes an enchanting area for zoological study-men and liberal holiday-makers. On the day of Jawla Bhoe or Voto-Jatra, it is a great picnic spot.

The Tibetan Center
This is a busy Tibetan settlement with a Mahayana Buddhist monastery. Running a woolen carpet industry is today a big responsible job of the Tibetan society. "Jawalakhel Handicraft Center Pvt. Ltd." is a typical pioneer Tibetan carpet manufacturer the factory of which stands the biggest in Lalitpur district. It is an extremely interesting place where one can keenly observe the technical process of spinning, dyeing and weaving of Shangri-La rugs performed by a perfect Tibetan Hands. This center has a well stocked showroom plus salesroom from which purchases can be swiftly freighted to any destination of the world. Apart from these, the town is abound of several other public shops carrying Tibetan curios, garments, novelties, etc.

Godawari
Literally it is a vernacular translation of a special flower. Godawari is a big village setting of extreme natural beauty and is situated 10 kilometers south-east of Patan perched at the foot of Mt. Phulchowki which holds a relevant altitude of 9050 feet above the sea-level. It is in fact the highest mountain of Kathmandu Valley, a good spot for hiking. Rhododendrons of various kinds and colors from snow-white to dark-red grow wild on the slopes. It also has rich forestations abound with different varieties of flora and birds. A center of numerous orchid species, it makes an ideal spot for the outdoor party and picnickers. It is indeed a botanical paradise, not to miss the orchards and horticultural yardsas well. The British Botanical Garden, the American Fish Farm and the Catholic Mission School form the important sites here. Just above St. Xavier remains the marble quarry discovered a ling period back. Apart from these, the two renowned Hindu temples of Godawari-Kunda (also known as Panch-Dhara) and Nou-Dhara, a new Buddhist monastery and a horticultural center are worth visiting. Historical Godawari-Kunda celebrates a special twelve year festival. It is a ritual worship committed with zeal and enthusiasm in the monsoon season.

Bajra-Barahi
This is a famous Hindu temple of Lalitpur district. Situated in the middle of a peaceful woodland park, it is roughly 5 km. south of Patan nearby the Newar village of Chapagaon. Ritual worship followed by liberal picnic is a frequent phenomenon every Saturday. A trekking visit to Tika Bhairab and Lele (both lying in the southern suburbs of the Valley) from here is indeed worthwhile.